YOU ARE NOT THE AUTHOR
Image Source: Brett Jordan (Unsplash)
"One of the most rewarding and important moments in life Is the moment you finally find the courage to let go of what you can't change." – Unknown.
When I served as a lieutenant in the fire service, I always needed to control every aspect of my day on shift. I would set the plan the night before and show up ready to implement what I concocted - rig checks, station maintenance, and training for the day. Many times, much to my dismay, the plan went right out the window the moment the bell sounded, indicating a call for service. Although I could set the tone inside the firehouse, I had no control over what happened outside- something many of us had difficulty reconciling. When things went awry, we would get angry.
As I write this post, I reflect on the life points I cashed in because things did not go as planned. How often do we hear the phrase, "Go with the flow." It is easier said than done. One well-intentioned area we attempt to control is the lives of other beings. How often do we offer unsolicited advice, only to be told to mind our business? Sometimes, people need to figure out things for themselves. In such cases, a good course of action would be to hold space for that individual. Let them know you are there if they need anything. Now, let's talk about the inside job.
While we cannot completely control our external world, we can work to temper what happens inside us by decreasing the stress response and activating the relaxation response. When emotions ramp up, anchoring into the breath assists in lowering our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Spending several minutes with closed eyes and following the rise and fall of our belly during the inhale and exhale can slow the chatter in the mind. Clearing our mind, body, and spirit enables us to tap into clear thoughts needed to make critical and not-so-critical decisions when things fall out of our control. We often make regrettable decisions or speak without purpose when we let our emotions rule.
The character Coach Taylor in the TV show Friday Night Lights always told his football players, "Clear eyes, full hearts. Can't lose." Letting go of what no longer serves you includes the incessant need to direct every second of every day. We cannot change, control, or be the architect of everything that happens to ourselves and others. Remember, "You are not the author of this world, you just live in it." - Watson. Until next time-
Image Source: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography (Unsplash)
Namaste,
Tim